Hatton Garden jewellery heist suspected to be copycat crime from 11 years ago

COPYCAT: Theft victim says the break-in must have been carried out by the same group [PA]

The victim of a £1.5million theft at a diamond shop on the same street reckons the break-in must have been carried out by the same group.

And detectives are now investigating the theory.

Incredible new footage shows last week’s brazen thieves, their faces hidden by hats, casually walking in and out of the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Ltd building in central London over the Easter weekend.

“It’s so similar, it’s untrue”

One shop owner who was robbed 11 years ago

Diamonds, gold and cash worth as much as £200m is thought to have been nicked in the raid, with some of the UK’s most rich and famous thought to be victims.

One shop owner who was robbed 11 years ago said: “It’s so similar, it’s untrue.”

The man, who did not want to be named, added: “I reckon it’s the same gang.”

Police sources claim the 2004 heist was carried out by thieves from Bethnal Green, east London, who have never been caught.

Meanwhile, a parliamentary candidate who is being probed by police for allegedly bribing voters in Southampton with sausage rolls yesterday revealed he may have lost valuables in the raid.

Ukip candidate Kim Rose said he had a safety deposit box stored with the Hatton Garden company but police have not yet told him if it has been stolen.